Introduction to Healthcare

Solving the problems and challenges within the U.S. healthcare system requires a deep understanding of how the system works. Successful solutions and strategies must take into account the realities of the current system. This course explores the fundamentals of the U.S. healthcare system. It will introduce the principal institutions and participants in healthcare systems, explain what they do, and discuss the interactions between them. The course will cover physician practices, hospitals, pharmaceuticals, and insurance and financing arrangements.

We will also discuss the challenges of healthcare cost management, quality of care, and access to care. While the course focuses on the U.S. healthcare system, we will also refer to healthcare systems in other developed countries.

The Stanford University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Visit the FAQs below for important information regarding 1) Date of original release and Termination or expiration date; 2) Accreditation and Credit Designation statements; 3) Disclosure of financial relationships for every person in control of activity content.

• The major challenges of the U.S.healthcare system

• Issues you may encounter in efforts to improve healthcare delivery and the healthcare system

• Who the key stakeholders are in the U.S. healthcare system

Syllabus

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
Overview of Health Care Systems and Key Challenges They Face
Week 2
Physicians, Physician Practices, and Physician Payment
Week 3
Hospitals, Other Provider Organizations, and Related Payment Systems
Week 4
Intermediaries, Health Insurance Plans, and Health Care Financing
Week 5
Health Care Products and Prescription Drugs, and Quality Measurement and Improvement
Week 6
Ethics
Week 7
Course Wrap Up

FAQ

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:

What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Is this activity accredited for Continuing Medical Education (CME)?

Dates and Duration

Original Release Date: 08/10/2020

Expiration Date: 08/10/2023

Estimated Time to Complete: 12 hours

CME Credits Offered: 12.00 

Accreditation

The Stanford University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Stanford University School of Medicine designates this enduring material for a maximum of 12.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Disclosures

The Stanford University School of Medicine adheres to ACCME Criteria, Standards and Policies regarding industry support of continuing medical education.  There are no relevant financial relationships with ACCME-defined commercial interests for anyone who was in control of the content of this activity.

Reviews

I learn so many new things realted to Health care. Useful information about Hospitals, Billing, Physicians and Health insurance plans.

This course was the best first step towards learning how AI can be successfully implemented in healthcare! Looking forward to beginning the next course!

A absolute mandatory basis for the understanding of the possible application areas for AI in Health Care and their ethical challenges!

Quick and nice introduction to US healthcare. Enjoyed learning many aspects, specially role of Insurance in US healthcare delivery process.